Container spot freight rates on all three major east-west trades—Asia-Europe, transpacific and transatlantic—rose this week as carriers increased blank sailings and rolled out new FAK prices to stem a post-peak decline, according to industry reports.
What Happened
According to Drewry's World Container Index (WCI), Asia-Europe spot rates rose for a second consecutive week. The Shanghai-Rotterdam leg was up 3% week on week to $3,632 per 40ft, while Shanghai-Genoa gained 5% to $4,152 per 40ft.
Transpacific increases were more modest. Shanghai-Los Angeles rose 2% to $8,007 per 40ft, and Shanghai-New York edged up 1% to $10,166 per 40ft. On the transatlantic westbound head-haul, Rotterdam-New York gained 3% to $3,181 per 40ft, up 85% year on year.
To counter a potential price downturn in November, carriers have announced more blank sailings. According to Drewry's Container Capacity Insight, eight blank sailings are scheduled for next week, up from two this week. MSC will apply an FAK of $4,500 per 40ft on Asia-North Europe, $5,000 on Asia-west Mediterranean and $5,100 on Asia-east Mediterranean from November 1, while CMA CGM is targeting $4,900 and $5,200 for the west and east Mediterranean respectively on the same date.
Background
Asia-Europe rates had fallen for three months after the peak season, and carriers are hoping to reverse the trend by tightening capacity through blank sailings and new FAK levels. However, Linerlytica analysts noted that actual spot rates remain weak, with current carrier quotes below SCFI assessments, and predicted the November increases will likely fail. European forwarders also reported receiving discounted offers on FAK levels in the first half of this month and expect a repeat in November.
On the transpacific, US west coast forwarder Freight Right described the week as "a market stabilising," but noted the peak shipping season has officially wrapped up and volumes are beginning a natural seasonal decline, combined with a modest injection of capacity and some carriers offering discounts to gain market share. The forwarder also noted that niche carriers such as ONE are offering rates significantly below market averages, though space on these lower-cost options is fully booked through October.
Impact on Shippers
For Chinese exporters shipping to the US, transpacific spot rates rose only modestly, and space tightness has eased significantly from the peak season, making booking on both west and east coast lanes easier. A gap remains between carrier quotes and actual transaction prices, leaving room for negotiation, though shippers should note that low-cost space may already be fully booked or carry conditions.
Carriers' November FAK increases, if implemented, would raise Asia-Europe costs but have a more indirect effect on US lanes. No new customs policy changes have been announced, but shippers should watch for schedule adjustments caused by blank sailings to avoid delays in FBA first-mile warehouse delivery.
Recommendations
Shippers are advised to take advantage of the current looser space and relatively stable rates to plan November and December shipments in advance, and to confirm actual bookable space and schedules with their forwarders. For time-sensitive FBA first-mile cargo, prioritize direct sailings and build in buffer for delays from blank sailings or port omissions. Meanwhile, verify bills of lading and customs documents to ensure product names, HS codes and declared values are consistent to avoid extra costs from documentation issues.